Chapter 41
The Hindered Escape
Warning: The next chapter contains scenes with explicit sexual content. Reader discretion is advised.
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Her body was slick and glowed under the cascading hot water and the light of a few floating candles. Her arms were crossed over her chest, her forearms squeezing her rounded breasts. Laurel closed her eyes and let the stream of water wash the foam from her hair. She hadn't realized that Severus was watching her from the bathroom door: his rapt eyes fixed on her golden figure embroidered with soap bubbles, fixed on the curve of her buttocks, on the firmness of her thighs. He was fascinated as he watched the water run down her legs and end up on the tiled floor, bouncing, filling the bathroom with noise, steam, isolating his mind from the outside world.
Laurel reached out her hand to turn off the brass faucet and it was then that she realized the presence of her beloved. Smiling, she called him with a languid nod and Severus didn't take long to leave his robes on the bathroom floor, eagerly stepping in the large walk-in shower.
He gently pushed Laurel's hair behind her neck. His fingers brushed her tender, wet skin, making her shiver despite the hot water.
"I wouldn't mind sharing a bath before we leave". — She purred as she felt Severus' mouth on her neck, tongue gently lapping up the droplets of water, barely brushing her skin, like a whisper.
"I say we have time". — He answered, as his hands slowly wandered up her arms.
Laurel smiled, stopping him.
"Turn around". — She commanded, placing her hands on Severus' torso, she manoeuvred him just where she wanted him, standing under the spray, his ebony black hair clinging to his scalp, falling in sleek strands to his pale shoulders.
Laurel stared at his broad, scarred back and couldn't help but remember the crack of the whip on her own. Many months had passed since that day, they had shared many stories, many kisses, many sleepless nights. She had almost forgotten that in the eyes of the outside world, and especially the Death Eaters, Severus was still her captor.
And he had captured her indeed, binding her to him with a chain stronger than iron or steel.
She hugged him tight, resting her cheek on his back, her arms around his waist. The water sloshed down their bodies adding heat to their cool skin. They stayed silent for a long time, enjoying the warm contact of their bodies, swaying slightly to an imaginary rhythm, their heads full of the illusion of freedom.
Laurel stepped back, grabbed the soap and bath sponge and began lathering his shoulders, his back, working her way down his legs. Severus kept his eyes closed, his senses focused on the movements of the woman's hands, on the sound of the water, on the slightly bubbling sensation of the foam on his body.
The woman started kneading his scalp, washing the long hairs, massaging his head and Severus gave a delighted groan of pleasure.
"That's it, pet. You are very good with your hands".
"You know that better than anybody". —Laurel laughed, turning his body around, facing him and she started to lather his prominent erection with firm strokes.
Severus bent forward to kiss her, devouring her his tongue, his knees going weak with each movement of Laurel's hands. But he wouldn't give her the satisfaction of coming so fast. He pulled her against him, both completely under the spray of water. The soap washed away; the rubbing became more intense. When they finally caught their breath, the man was arrogantly pleased, his cock bumping against her stomach, seeking entrance, solace.
"Not so fast, Laurie. I will shag you real good". — He said as he grabbed her bottom, squeezing hard until his hands left marks.
She gasped as Severus lifted her body up, pushing her back against the mosaic wall, the elegant grey tiles feeling cold against her skin. His dark eyes were all she could see before he kissed her deeply.
Severus immediately felt that burning sensation on every inch of his skin. That woman had the ability to make his blood boil, to devour him completely, to consume him like fire consumes everything in its path. She was his.
Laurel was caged in his arms, and she couldn't help but dig her nails into her biceps as he felt that beast pounding inside her, each time faster, harder.
"You are beautiful". — Severus groaned. — "And warm, your body is so fucking hot".
Whether Severus was referring to her body temperature or her physical appearance, she couldn't tell, for then a great wave of pleasure began to surge, shaking every cell in her body. Laurel buried her face in his neck, gritting her teeth, her clouded mind barely registering the man's growls, the sound of their bodies rocking against each other, the warmth of the cascading water over her head.
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Laurel smiled as she wrapped herself in a fluffy white robe and watched as Severus finished rinsing.
"Here you go" — she said as he handed him one of the towels that the man took gratefully.
The steam was dispersing and the cold of the dungeons little by little made them aware of the truth: they would leave Hogwarts, leaving behind the security that Dumbledore offered them, defying Lord Voldemort. Laurel felt a sudden shudder when she thought about what the Death Eaters would do to them when they found out they were betrayed.
She moved closer to Severus, her face reflecting the sudden nervousness that had taken over her.
"We'll be fine," — he whispered as he caressed her cheeks, realising what was behind the anxious features. — "I won't let anything happen to you, pet".
She didn't answer him. She had left her eyes riveted on the Dark Mark. The skull seemed to stare back at her, threatening her, taunting her. She reached out her fingers to touch it, but Severus stopped her.
Over the past few months, she had respected Severus's wish not to touch or mention the mark on his arm. However, it was always there, ever present. A constant reminder that her lover was not a free man, a reminder of his sins. She tried to ignore it and most of the time she had managed to forget it completely, but the ineffable truth was that even if he deeply regretted it now, Severus had chosen to follow the darkest of paths. One from which it might be impossible to get out alive.
"I met you as a Death Eater, I have seen you bow to the Dark Lord, you don't have to hide it from me."
Severus spoke in a low voice, his eyes avoiding Laurel's:
"I will always be ashamed of it; it is my biggest regret… my deepest shame. If I could just not listen to my so-called friends back in school…" —He let out a sigh, extending his arm to allow her to touch it. — "The day the Dark Lord used his wand to mark me I thought that would the end of my pathetic life as an outsider, as the skint lonely boy… It was a pompous ceremony; Lucius Malfoy made a big deal making sure everybody knew he had brought the 'brightest potioneer of all Britain' to the ranks of the Dark Lord… It was painful, so much painful but it doesn't even compare to the pain I felt when…"
He silenced his voice, not wanting to mention the name of his childhood friend, not wanting the revive the fight from the night before.
"There are so many things I don't know about you". — She muttered, her fingers brushing the Dark Mark.
"There will be time to tell them all".
Severus took her hands, trying to assuage the woman's fears but he couldn't help but frown: How long would they have until the Death Eaters caught up with them? Igor Karkaroff was able to stay alive for a mere year, running, hiding; until he was caught up north, hiding in a miserable shack and killed like a cockroach.
"We'll have to get out of the country," — he finally said. — "As far from England as possible."
Laurel nodded, head down.
"I'm afraid I'll just slow you down. I mean, how long can you really fly? You will get tired…"
"I'll get on a plane if I have to." — Severus shuddered at the thought of finding himself tied to a seat inside a metal tube, herded together with hundreds of people. — I am doing this for you, for us…"
Severus stopped talking, the dread of knowing he will be dead sooner than later for breaking the Unbreakable Vow bite hard into his heart. What would happen to Laurel? Alone in an unknown place, afraid, crying next to his dead body… What the hell was he doing? Why was he putting her into such situation? He knew the answer… He was being selfish, he wanted to live the last months of his life next to her being happy, loved.
"And for you." — Laurel finished saying, looking at him with sheepish eyes.
"For me". — He said, swallowing the lump in his throat.
"I will tell her. Once we're out of Hogwarts I'll tell her." — He promised himself for the umpteenth time.
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The potion swirled inside the glass flask, its silver sparkles dancing before Laurel's eyes. The woman sighed as she thought of all the work they had taken to get to that point: Lupinaria. Day after day modifying, altering ingredients, distilling. Laurel had chosen to constantly cover up to hide those hideous marks on her arms. And now she was leaving everything… She was abandoning Remus.
Severus placed a hand on her shoulder, encouraging her.
"All the reports are there, and you've left enough blood samples. They'll manage."
"Remus is terrible at potions, who will help him?"
"I don't know… Slughorn maybe? Don't expect too much sympathy from me for that…"
"That's fine. I got it, Severus" — Laurel cut him off, turning to face him. — "I think… I think I am ready to go".
Severus nod, and with a move of his wand the trunk floated.
"We will walk to Hogsmeade, from there to London".
"And then?"
Severus put on his traveling cloak as his mind tried to come up with a plan. However, he couldn't come to any conclusion as a slight tapping stopped him.
They both froze looking towards the door without knowing how to react. After a minute, the door swung open on its own, revealing what appeared to Laurel to be a walking bundle of multi-coloured clothing.
"Dobby wishes you a pleasant morning". — The house-elf bowed to them, the pile of woollen hats on his head wobbling dangerously. — "Master Dumbledore requires your expedite presence in the headmaster's office".
"I am not going, Dobby". — Severus' face flushed with anger. — "Tell Dumbledore I resign my position as master in Hogwarts…"
"It is not Master Snape who the headmaster requires". — Said Dobby with a high-pitched voice. He turned his eyes to Laurel and bowed to her. — "Miss Noel is expected in the shortest time. Master Dumbledore has asked Dobby to escort you right away".
"No…" — The wizard shook his head vehemently, but Laurel patted his arm.
"It's okay, Sev.".
"I am coming with you, then".
"Master Snape must remain in his quarters". — Dobby said — "Master Dumbledore's orders".
Severus clenched his fists and turned away with a frustrated look.
"Is he imprisoning me? How does he dare…?"
"It will only be a minute". — Laurel kissed him on the cheek. — "We'll be off to London and then… somewhere else. Together".
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The elf gave a final reverence as he took her in front of the oak doors. Laurel gave him a forced smile, remembering the nasty episode the night before.
"Always" was all she could hear in her mind as the elf disappeared and the doors opened before her.
"Please, come on in Miss Noel".
Dumbledore was standing behind his desk, flashing a radiant smile at her. Laurel was taken aback to see a not so enthusiastic Harry sitting in one of the chairs in front of the headmaster.
"Good morning". — Her voice came out shaky, being in the presence of Dumbledore always made her feel small.
"Please, take a seat". — The headmaster gestured with a hand to the chair next to Harry. — "How do you take your tea, Miss Noel?"
"No tea for me, thank you". — She murmured at the same time she sat, locking eyes with the young man.
"Very well, let's get down to business then. Harry, I am sure you would like to apologise to Miss Noel".
"Yes". — The emerald eyes went dark with resentment. — "I am sorry, Miss Noel. I wasn't being my own self yesterday. I lost control. I apologise".
Laurel nodded slightly. In her shock of discovering Severus' strong feelings towards Lily, Laurel didn't take into consideration the point of the matter in their conversation: Harry Potter.
"I understand". — She answered, looking at the thunderbolt scar on the boy's forehead. — "Thank you, Harry".
The young wizard looked at Dumbledore who smiled at him.
"You may take your leave. Until next week".
Harry left the room in haste.
"Mr. Weasley is recovering successfully if you are wondering, Laurel". — Dumbledore said after the door closed.
"I am glad to hear that. Harry was smart enough to use a bezoar".
"Ah, yes indeed". — Dumbledore sat in his chair and leaned back. His gaze was still smiling. —"Severus always complained about the boy's ineptitude with potions, but Professor Slughorn doesn't stop praising his skills in the subject. What do you think this sudden change is due to?
Laurel shrugged, not knowing what to say. Why would Dumbledore be asking her something like that?
"Let me tell you why: There is no change. Even if Severus doesn't want to admit it, he has been a great teacher for Harry. He has toughened him up, prepared him. He is undoubtedly, a great influence for the boy".
Laurel shrank back in her chair, cracking her knuckles nervously. Where would Dumbledore want to go?
"He… I know deep down he cares a lot about Harry."
"As should you care too. Harry is the only one who can save us. The only one who can defeat Lord Voldemort. The only one who can definitively break the chains that bind Severus to his Dark Lord. I am sure you want the best for Severus, don't you?"
Laurel sat up straighter in the chair and clearing her throat said:
"We want to go. We want to leave Hogwarts. The Order. The Death Eaters. All."
"I see." — Dumbledore slowly got up from his chair and walked through his office with easy steps. His gaze lingered for an instant on the Sorting Hat that was resting on a shelf.
"You know, I always thought we made a great mistake sorting Severus into Slytherin. A very brave and chivalrous man he is…
"And cunning and resourceful". — Laurel interrupted him. — "Those are Slytherin traits as well. Belonging to a specific house does not mean you are good or bad at heart".
"You're absolutely right, Laurel. I'm glad you can see past his cold exterior. You are one of only two people who do."
"I love him". — Laurel felt his cheeks growing hot at admitting that to Dumbledore.
"That I know. And is clear that even though he has a tumultuous past, he loves you back". — Dumbledore sat on top of his desk, his body leaning towards Laurel. — He has a duty he needs to fulfil. I am sure he will listen to your advice, and I am sure you are wise enough to realise that there is so much at stake".
Laurel's mind felt dazed. She knew how to differentiate good and evil; she knew that abandoning the Order will imply abandoning Harry, abandoning the fight against the Dark Lord. What if Dumbledore could not succeed in destroy Voldemort without Severus' important job as a spy? What kind of world would be for people like her? Akardos and Muggles?
"I just want his safety. He's risking too much as a double spy. I'm afraid it will eventually result in his…" —Laurel shook her head, pushing that word from her mind: Death.
"Then you have to listen to my words: Severus must remain at Hogwarts. If you want him to stay alive, as do I, he must stay true to the promise he has made to me. Above anything".
"What promise?"
"It's not in my power to reveal that, Laurel.
"More secrets... Always secrets." — The woman let out an indignant snort. — "I don't even know if I can really trust him."
"To that man I trust my life and my death, Laurel." — Dumbledore reached out for her hand and placed it over the Akardos's. — "If you love him and want the best for him, don't let the Death Eaters realise that he has betrayed them. You don't want him to live on the run".
Dumbledore smiled at her and stood up, offering her a candy box filled with lemon drops.
"And by the way, the full moon is almost here. How's that new batch of Lupinaria going?
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"We are staying".
"I knew he was going to brainwash you. He can persuade anybody…"
"What is that promise you made for him, Severus?"
The wizard quiet down and let his body slump on his chair.
"I know you will not tell me". — Laurel turned her back to him and opened the trunk, picking up her belongings and taking them to Severus' bedroom. — "I will learn eventually I suppose. This what I get for dating a spy".
Severus grabbed her arm when she passed next to him.
"I love you, Laurel. Really, I do".
Laurel nodded, forcing a smile.
"I love you too, Sev".
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The moon was close, he could feel it. His body ache but at least he wasn't paralysed anymore.
He looked up at the night sky from the outskirts of Malfoy Manor and couldn't contain the wild urge to let out a deep howl.
"I will find you, Akardos." — Greyback's voice was dry, hoarse. He longed to drink that blood again, even if that would mean his death.